Example of a Yoga Class

Seeing all of the practiced yogis bent into seemingly impossible poses can make you run the opposite direction from a yoga class. But while it might seem complicated, yoga is actually a simple practice based upon the individual and continual learning and improvement. In fact, most yoga classes arestructured around an apex approach, or building up to improvement and challenging poses. Don't fear the yoga class -- it's structured around increasing your individual abilities.

Warmup

While there are several different types of yoga, from basic Hatha to fast-moving Ashtanga and sweat-inducing Bikram, most follow the same pattern of work and poses to bring your body to its peak performance and then gently wind it back down again. That means starting with a warmup. A yoga warmup usually begins with a short conversation with the instructor that includes tips on what types of poses will be tackled during class and some light stretching of each major muscle group. The warmup takes little skill and is meant to help build your confidence at the beginning of class.

Salutations

After warmup, there's a good chance your instructor will move directly into a sequence called Sun Salutations. This a sequence of yoga poses that flow into one another and are made up of easy to moderate moves. The Sun Salutation sequence has two purposes -- first, to begin practice with submission to the sun, which is life-energy, and second, to build confidence with simple poses that even beginners can master.

Work Poses

After Sun Salutations, your yoga teacher will move into work poses, which are poses that are more difficult and take more practice. In some yoga classes, it's up to the instructor to choose the work poses, while other types of yoga -- such as Bikram -- use the same work poses in each class. Work poses are meant to challenge your body and help you see real results from class. As you become stronger, more flexible and better balanced, your work poses will improve. If you can't execute a more challenging pose right off the bat, a good instructor will suggest modifications that help you get there incrementally.

Intense Stretching

You can expect a few moments of intense stretching after you move through your work poses of the day. This sequence is known as an apex, where an instructor increases the intensity before topping out at a difficult pose and then slowly brings thestudents back down to simpler and more restful poses. Deep stretching can include anything from deep leg stretches to bridges and neck stretches.

Meditation

Because the deep stretching portion of your class is akin to a cool down, you'll finish class with some meditation time. Your instructor will lead you into the pose for meditation -- usually seated Lotus or Corpse pose -- and give you three to five minutes to clear your mind and absorb your yoga practice. While it may seem like the perfect time to head home, don't skip meditation. It's a vital part of class and a way to slow your heart rate and the ideal way to end your session.